THE GREAT PLAINS. 23 



forage and the importance of making- every possible effort to preserve 

 it. In speaking of overpasturing, lie says: 



Overpasturing in times of drought is killing out many of the permanent granses 

 here as well as elsewhere, and unless this practice is abandoned permanent injury 

 will result to this, one of the most important of the natural -resources of the 

 Northwest. 



The irrigation problem is also discussed, and some of the possibili- 

 ties in the way of developing the water supply afforded by the artesian 

 basin are spoken of. The great increase in the production of the 

 native o-rasses 1)v a sliohtlv increased supplv of moisture is referred 

 to as follows: 



Experience has shown that many of the most valuable native grasses are very 

 much benefited l)y a judicious application of even a small amount of water. Asa 

 rule there is sutiicient rainfall to give the grasses a good start in the spring, and if 

 enough water could be had to keep up a strong growth when the dry, hot weather 

 comes on an abundant forage crop would he assured. 



Besides th(> ofeneral discussion of the results of field work covered 

 by the report there is given a complete list of the grasses and f<n-age 

 plants collected b}^ the different field agents in this region, and also a 

 list of the grasses and other forage plants of the Dakotas which are 

 or may be of importance as forage, giving notes on each species, 

 pointing out their particular characteristics and adaptation to special 

 purposes, and also making suggestions regarding their treatment, 

 method of sowing, and possible means of improvement. Besides the 

 bulletin referred to, Mr. Williams pulilished, in Circular No. 4 of the 

 Division, further results of Jhe field work in this region under the title 

 of "The Renewing of Worn-out Native Prairie Pastures," in which 

 attention was called to the rapidh' deteriorating condition of the native 

 pasture lands, at the same time pointing out the causes and results, 

 and reconnuending methods for improving and renewing these native 

 grazing lands. 



The general effects of cultivation on native grasses and the great 

 value of the same is pointed out, especially the beneficial results which 

 are derived from disk harrowing and thus loosening the soil which has 

 been greath' hardened by tramping of stock, so that the roots of the 

 grasses may have an opportunity to develop. The question of manur- 

 ing native pastures is also discussed, and the conclusion is as follows: 



Pastures which have been grazed closely for some time will be benefited by the 

 apjjlication of a thin top dressing of well-rotted stable manure, followed by a thor- 

 ough liarrowing. It is doubtful if much is gained by putting coarse unrotted manure 

 on the pasture. It can be used to better advantage on cultivated lands. Ashes gen- 

 erally have a beneficial effect on soils not too plentifully supplied with alkali. The 

 collecting and sowing of seeds of the best native grasses, such as western \vheat grass 

 {Agropynni occid'eiddlc), slender wheat grass {Af/ropi/ron tciiennn), wild rye grass 



